Argylle - Meh.

Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson,  John Cena, and Henry Cavill, written by Jason Fuchs and directed by Matthew Vaughn, is one of the most disappointing and  messy films of the year so far. 

Despite having such talent in the cast, and Bryce Dallas Howard, Matthew Vaughn was unable to stick the landing on this one and deliver yet again one of his signature, vibrant action films. Though the first act intrigues you and forces you to question if Elly is a psychic or just plain crazy, half way through the second act, in spite of Sam Rockwell’s exceptional signature on-screen style, things start to get quite convoluted and the film goes down hill before completely jumping the shark by act three.  Vaughn, known for his effortless blend of action and humor with colorful shots, puts his foot all the way down on the pedal but takes his hands completely off the wheel. The result devolves into one big gimmick that feels repetitive and forced. 

Bryce Dallas Howard struggles to find her footing in the lead role, and is unable to convince us of her ability to become an “action star”. With scenes like in the third act where she sticks a knife onto the bottom of each of her boots and seems to effortlessly figure skate across oil covered concrete thrashing a litany of opponents, (though she didn't even remember that she trained as a figure skater 30 years prior) the material at her disposal was ridiculous at best. 

Renowned talents like Catherine O’Hara and Bryan Cranston are completely wasted on this film. Relegated to poorly written caricatures of Bond villains, they are able to shine in the few scenes we have them. I feel almost obligated to write them letters like, “Dear Mr. Cranston, Were you forced against your will to do this film? Was it Bryce Dallas Howard? Did she threaten you, sir? Respond with “Carano” if you need help.”

All in all, I expected more from a Matthew Vaughn action movie with Sam Rockwell in one of the lead roles. It had great potential but ended up feeling derivative, convoluted, laborious, and ridiculous. It’s a “Meh” from me. 

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